In addition to the GRE general test, some graduate schools or fellowship committees may require you to take additional GRE Subject Tests. It is required mainly for Doctoral Study in the US and is also required by some universities for Masters Level programs. Lots of Admission or fellowship panels regard the GRE score as the yardstick not only to supplement the undergraduate records but also to measure and evaluate the grades and Recommendations. Thus the hunt for a common standard for many ends in the GRE score. The GRE Subject tests are meant to assess your qualification in a specific field of study.

Question: Do I really need the GRE General scores if I have the GRE Subject Test score?
Answer: Yes, the general GRE scores are must.

Question: Is the GRE subject test score required or simply strongly recommended?
Answer: In the past there have been circumstances where we’ve admitted graduate students who have not taken the GRE subject test. However, these are rare exceptions and decisions on such students are delayed. If you want your application to be considered promptly, you should arrange to take the GRE subject test.

Subject GRE

The GRE Subject Tests are designed to help graduate school admission committees and fellowship sponsors assess the qualifications of applicants in specific fields of study. The tests also provide students with an assessment of their own qualifications. It is required mainly for Doctoral Study in the US and is also required by some universities for Masters Level programs.

Scores on the tests are intended to indicate students’ knowledge of the subject matter emphasized in many undergraduate programs as preparation for graduate study. Since past achievement is usually a good indicator of future performance, the scores are helpful in predicting students’ success in graduate study. Because the tests are standardized, the test scores permit comparison of students from different institutions with different undergraduate programs. For some Subject Tests, sub scores are provided in addition to the total score; these sub scores indicate the strengths and weaknesses of individual student’s preparation, and they may help students plan their future studies.

Duration:

These two hour and 50 minute tests are supposed to demonstrate students’ knowledge of particular subjects stressed in many undergraduate programs as preparation for graduate study. Because they identify areas of weakness, students should attempt to use the GRE subject test scores to help plan their future studies.

Why subject GRE test ?

MS courses in and computer science, biological sciences and pure sciences. It is recommended that you take the subject GRE test also known as the Advanced GRE test or the AGRE test. A good performance in the test proves you have adequate preparation to enter a graduate program. Moreover the subject GRE test score may be an added advantage for getting financial aid.
Candidates should contact graduate schools of choice to determine which, if any, of the GRE subject tests should be taken.

The Scoring Process

In calculating reported scores for traditional paper-and-pencil tests, the number of questions answered correctly is adjusted according to the difficulty level of the questions on the test form. Thus, the same number of correct responses on different test forms will not necessarily result in the same reported score.
In paper-and-pencil tests, the differences in difficulty among test forms are relatively small and are adjusted through a process known as score equating. The number of questions answered is also figured into the calculation of the reported score because it limits the number that can be answered correctly.

Scoring of the Subject Tests is a two-step process.

First, a raw score is computed. The raw score is the number of questions you answered correctly minus one-fourth the number of questions you answered incorrectly.

The raw score is then converted to a scaled score through a process known as equating that accounts for differences in difficulty among the different test editions. Thus, a given scaled score reflects approximately the same level of ability regardless of the edition of the test that was taken.

Subject Test Score Scales

One total score is reported on a 200-990 score scale, in 10-point increments, although the score range for any particular Subject Test is usually smaller.

Subscores are reported for the Biochemistry, Cell and Molecular Biology; Biology; and Psychology Tests on a 20-99 score scale, in 1-point increments, although the range for any particular Subject Test subscore is usually smaller.

When you register for a Subject Test, you will be sent a free Subject Test Practice Book that describes the test in detail. The book also includes test-taking strategies, content specifications, a full-length test and answer key, and information to help you understand the scores you earn.

The completed application form has to be sent to ETS (The test conducting authority) in USA along with the required fee by the dates mentioned above.

Registration

Register for the Subject GRE through ETS (Educational Testing Service). If you miss the registration deadline, you may still report to the testing location on the test date and try to get a seat as a “stand-by.”